Ventura Ca Elections

The Ventura City Council tentatively approved a measure allowing residents to vote on development of the rugged hillsides behind the city. If the measure receives final City Council approval July 23, residents will be asked in November whether extension of water and sewer services to the 7,000-acre area should require voter approval. Denial of those services would scuttle the possible development of as many as 1,900 homes on the chaparral-dotted slopes and canyons that form the city's backdrop.

The Ventura City Council tentatively approved a measure allowing residents to vote on development of the rugged hillsides behind the city. If the measure receives final City Council approval July 23, residents will be asked in November whether extension of water and sewer services to the 7,000-acre area should require voter approval. Denial of those services would scuttle the possible development of as many as 1,900 homes on the chaparral-dotted slopes and canyons that form the city's backdrop.

In a rosier economy four years ago, three environmental candidates swept into Ventura City Council seats on a platform promising to limit the city's growth and preserve a high quality of life. Two years later, when the economy hit the skids, a slate of three pro-business candidates came into office, vowing to shift from slow-growth politics to creating jobs and bolstering commerce.

With governments all over California using tax breaks to attract major league stadiums, shopping malls and auto dealers, the voters of Ventura are considering banning all such public subsidies in their city. If a local ballot initiative passes Tuesday, it would be the first time in California that a city's electorate has issued a blanket ban on subsidies to developers, local government experts say.

Results from City Council votes Monday: Utility District Should the city establish a utility district so that overhead power lines on Thompson Boulevard in the downtown area can be moved underground? Result: Approved 7-0 The Vote Gregory L. Carson: Yes Catherine F. Bean: Yes Tom Buford: Yes Todd J. Collart: Yes James L. Monahan: Yes Jack Tingstrom: Yes Gary R. Tuttle: Yes

With governments all over California using tax breaks to attract major league stadiums, shopping malls and auto dealers, the voters of Ventura are considering banning all such public subsidies in their city. If a local ballot initiative passes Tuesday, it would be the first time in California that a city's electorate has issued a blanket ban on subsidies to developers, local government experts say.

In a rosier economy four years ago, three environmental candidates swept into Ventura City Council seats on a platform promising to limit the city's growth and preserve a high quality of life. Two years later, when the economy hit the skids, a slate of three pro-business candidates came into office, vowing to shift from slow-growth politics to creating jobs and bolstering commerce.

Results from City Council votes Monday: Utility District Should the city establish a utility district so that overhead power lines on Thompson Boulevard in the downtown area can be moved underground? Result: Approved 7-0 The Vote Gregory L. Carson: Yes Catherine F. Bean: Yes Tom Buford: Yes Todd J. Collart: Yes James L. Monahan: Yes Jack Tingstrom: Yes Gary R. Tuttle: Yes